HMS Raleigh training questions.

[joshualoftus]

Hey guys,
I just have a couple of questions about Raleigh that hopefully someone could answer for me.
I was planning to become a bootneck, however I failed my PRMC last month, did quite well but obviously not well enough. That being my careers advisor suggested I join the Navy to train as an MA, with the option of going Commando later on down the track, which appeals to me a great deal as I wanted to become a RMMA if I passed PRMC and the 32 weeks.
My question was, how much phys do you actually do at Raleigh and what kind of intensity is it? I'm just wondering because after having a taste of brutal RM phys, such as the infamous "bottom field", I'm just wondering how training at Raleigh would compare. Do you do assault courses etc?
Also, how much small arms training and field work is done at Raleigh? Not a great deal I would imagine but I'm just trying to get a feel for the place is all.
Anyway guys, any answers to my queries would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers,
Josh.

[Richy_Boy]

well i am starting raleigh next month so i cant tell you for certain what it is like but from what i have been told the phys is not as bad as you would think.
I was speaking to an AET at the sunderland air show the other week and he was saying it isnt that hard and then he told me that he was never the fittest of people but he managed to pass out and now has got a successful career.
I know that there is assault tracks to do because i have seen many pictures.
Anyway hoped that helped mate, i would not worry to much about it.

[Bovie]

My question was, how much phys do you actually do at Raleigh and what kind of intensity is it?

Do Fitness sometime's three times, sometime's no times a week, and its your best effort, if they see you not putting enough effort in, back around!

Do you do assault courses etc?

Yes. One at piers cellers (Rope Harness thingy, Stairs, under a net, over some wood, down a hill and a swim)

One at Raleigh (will do it a few time's) not the hardest thing in the world.

Also, how much small arms training and field work is done at Raleigh

You do ONE WEEK SA80 Training, Learning about it, shooting it on the computer, 25meter range, 100meter range. And you also do a day's worth of baton training (boring!)

Bovie.

[joshualoftus]

Thanks for the replies guys, sounds like the phys is much easier compared to the RM, which is to be expected. I've got an 8 month wait till I'll start because of the wait list for the MA's course. Just out of interest, what are you guys going in as?
Cheers guys,
Josh.

[LEIGH]

Hi i am a medical assistant RN if you can do the bottom field at Lympstone then Raleigh will be easy for you , max 40 press ups & 60 sit ups to the bleep and pass your mile and half in your age group time , im 32 and i still can pass in 9 .45 .
Going Commando MA you have to complete your medical assistants training then do a medical assistants military awareness course which lasts six weeks wich enables you to work in the field , but to serve with a fighting unit you must pass the all arms commando course .
If your serious about becoming a Ma i suggest you start reading anatomy & physiology and learning as much about the human body as possible for when the ma training begins it is very intensive , its held at the tri service defence medical school , best of luck at Raleigh.

[Richy_Boy]

I am going to be an AET.

[joshualoftus]

Thanks for the replies guys, especially Leigh. I've already done all the tests required to join the Navy, my careers advisor just has to re-interview me, then I'll be bound for Raleigh after the 8 month wait for the MA's course. Sounds like a good idea Leigh, about the anatomy and physiology study mate. My best friend is currently in medical school so I might 'borrow' some of his basic text books and try and get ahead. Hearing what you guys have said I think the phys should be no problem, I currently run the mile and a half in about 8 mins 30, and pressups and situps are no problem. So that's one less thing to worry about while in training.
Just a quick question Leigh, if you don't mind me asking, what kind of postings have you had so far as an MA?
Cheers mate,
Josh.

[rambo]

I went to HMS What ever its called a few weeks ago, and have to say its like a holiday camp not a training establishment. I thought it was really quite ammusing. Maded me glad in fact that i decided to join a real force.

[LEIGH]

I am currntly working in accident & emergency as a medic where as an Ma you will learn a lot of trauma skills and bread & butter stuff such as taking blood , canulation , suturing ( stiches ) & when a major trauma comes in even emergency chest compressions and be prepared for the worst case sernarios such as i had recently & unfotunately they died .
Postings for an Ma well i cannont tell you where i have been but , any shore establishment uk & even gibraltar , air sea rescue some larger ships not frigates or destroyers you have to reach Leading Hand to serve on those beauties , you will be amazed where an ma can go & do but what naval nurses can not do - my advice to you get in first pass Raleigh , pass phase one medical assistants training keep your gob shut work hard & the rewards you will get from helping other people are second to none , if your going to start reading anatomy & physiology course tests cover the following.
respiratory system
gastro intestinal system
nervous system
musco skeletal - cardiac - pharmacy - & many more a good book to get is A & P by rosss & wilson for about 25 quid dont bother learning first aid as miltary first aid is slightly diffrent to civillian and some old habits can fail you on the course .

[voodoo sprout]

Hello Leigh, welcome back! Well done on getting this far, I take it you're in the 26 week phase at Haslar at the moment (commando course/military awareness coming afterwards I assume)? And you say you're going commando, does that mean you're able to change your preference once in?

And Josh, is that eight month thign a guide form your AFCO, as I was told by mine the wait is seventeen months from when the security forms are sent off (I've breen waiting nine months so far ), so I think either I've got a very busy AFCO or yours is being optimistic, might be handy to get some clarification. Good luck in any case!

EDIT: The book I'm working through which Leigh mentioned is here; http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASI ... 11-3488632 . Not easy reading by any means but by gum it's comprehensive!

[joshualoftus]

Hey guys,
Thanks for the info Leigh, I appreciate it. I might pick up a copy of that book, sounds good. Hey Voodoo, the 8 months is what my guy at the London AFCO, a CPO, told me. I've already done all the security forms and application forms etc, because I was going into the RM until I cheesed the PRMC last month, lol. So yeah, I don't know if it's accurate but he said it wouldn't be any more than that, so here's hoping it is.
Cheers guys,
Josh.

[Jammy]

I went to HMS What ever its called a few weeks ago, and have to say its like a holiday camp not a training establishment. I thought it was really quite ammusing. Maded me glad in fact that i decided to join a real force.

Aye though i think you best get your Green Lid 1st before slagging off other arms of the service.
Because at the moment you arn't even a real Bootneck you are a trainee

[LEIGH]

SO FAR THERE IS AN EIGHTEEN MONTH WAITING LIST FOR MEDICAL ASSISTANTS UNLESS YOU GO SUBMARINER , NO VOODOO IM NOT AT HASLAR IM SOMEWHERE A LOT NICER THAN THAT , AND MOVING ON TO SOMEWHERE EVEN NICER THAN THAT IN A FEW WEEKS , TO ALL ASPIRING MA'S HANG ON IN THE WAIT'S WORTH IT.

[rambo]

Jammy if you read my post correctly you will notice that, not at one point did i refer myself as being a bootneck. Secondly I was not slagging off the navy, i was merely refering HMS raleigh to a holiday park. AS i was shock to see the difference between lympstone and HMS raleigh. Thirdly im not a trainee im a recruit.